Feasibility of the physiological cost index as an outcome measure for the assessment of energy expenditure during walking

Abstract

Objective: To determine if the Physiological Cost Index (PCI) can be recommended as an outcome measure in clinical trials. Design: Three assessments were performed, 2 with shoes, 1 without. The difference between walking with shoes and walking barefoot was used to study the ability of the PCI to detect a change in the criterion standard. Setting: A research department affiliated with a rehabilitation hospital in the Netherlands. Participants: Twelve children with cerebral palsy. Interventions: During the first and third assessments, the children walked with shoes. During the intermediate assessment, the children walked without shoes. Main Outcome Measures: Breath-by-breath oxygen uptake, hea..